Statement on live export footage

The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) recognises the need for significant immediate improvements to ensure the welfare of animals exported from this State.

The recently televised footage of WA sheep aboard live export vessels has revealed conditions that are completely unacceptable.

The Australian Government is responsible for regulating the health and welfare of animals exported to overseas markets and is taking immediate action to ensure improved conditions for an impending shipment from Fremantle to the Middle East.

DPIRD supports Western Australia’s livestock industries and acknowledges the importance of the live export trade to this sector. We will work closely with the Australian Government regulators and industry to improve the on-board conditions and ensure the health and welfare of transported animals.

DPIRD animal welfare inspectors will continue to conduct inspections at ports to monitor animal welfare during loading as part of its responsibilities under the WA Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The department is currently conducting its own investigation into an August 2017 shipment of sheep from Fremantle to the Middle East to determine if there has been a breach of the State’s animal welfare laws.